BACKGROUND

 

Belize’s extraordinary diversity may promote more naturally the development of an inclusive society. “An inclusive society is a society that over-rides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography, and ensures inclusion, [and] equality of opportunity….”(Expert Group Meeting on Promoting Social Integration, Helsinki, July 2008). To this definition we add disability. The Belizean context can foster the full inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in the society. Our Children are from different ethnic groups and cultures and this is celebrated. Being disabled is yet another expression of diversity, to be celebrated or at the least respected. Social and economic inequalities persist despite Belize’s upper middle income status. There are significant disparities between urban and rural populations in a number of domains, with the bottom 40 per cent of the population mostly living in rural areas. Poverty, which affects children disproportionately by affecting their growth and development is high in Belize. Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable. In total, 36 per cent of children aged 2 to 9 were at risk of having one or more disabilities whether physical, auditory, visual or learning (MICS 2011). The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the ground of disability, however this is not translated into the legislation. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) maintains an educational unit offering limited special education programs within the regular school system. There are two schools and four special education centres for children with disabilities. The social protection schemes lack a disability focus, leaving this vulnerable population uncovered. A mapping of services conducted by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) aims to address this gap, and the implementation of relevant recommendations will be supported by the new Country Programme.